Dostea Tea Maker

Kitchen & Home Appliance Case Study

Dostea Tea Maker - Kitchen & Home appliance Industrial Design Case Study by Analogy
Challenge: Redefining the Chai Ritual

Industrial Design, Product Engineering & Manufacturing Support

Dostea is a UK-based hardware startup building a modern chai maker for global homes. Analogy partnered with them on industrial design, product engineering and preparing the concept for manufacturing.

This case study highlights our end-to-end work for a hardware startup from early product vision and aesthetic development to mechanical engineering, prototyping, and preparing the product for manufacturing. It’s an example of how we help appliance and consumer-product founders go from concept to market-ready physical products
Top view of a cup of hot bubbling chai on a wooden tableRising Sun with an orange sky and dark clouds in the background
Solution: A Lean Brewing Mechanism & Elegant Form

Designing a Modern Tea Making Experience for Global Homes

Dostea approached us to design a smart tea-brewing unit for global homes. We combined industrial design, mechanical engineering and DFM processes to deliver a functional prototype within 9 months, achieving a production ready design language for home appliances
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For Dostea, our goal was to reimagine the traditional chai ritual through a modern, appliance grade design. We translated the cultural nuances of chai making into a compact, functional form that fits seamlessly into contemporary homes. Our team explored multiple body geometries, mechanism layouts, and UX flows to simplify the brewing process while preserving authenticity. By combining industrial design with mechanical engineering, we developed a clean, manufacturable design language, intuitive user interface, and an ergonomic mechanism that elevated both usability and visual appeal. This section highlights our approach to designing consumer appliances that blend emotional resonance with technical performance.
ideation process of the tea maker machine
Ideation

Problem solving through Analogies

The main problems we were solving were

> A compact form factor to suit urban kitchens
> A Modular brewing mechanism for universal manufacturing
> User interface simplified to a one touch operation
> An Identity and product language informed by Indian-UK dual culture

Traditional tea making involves juggling pots, pans, strainers, and more, leading to a cacophony of clinking and a kitchen left in disarray.  By simplifying the ritual to a single button press, we streamlined the entire chai making experience, delivering a fresh, home brewed cup without the usual hassle and mess.
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The Dostea Tea Maker machine on a studio background
Result: Market-Ready Appliance in 9 Months

Authentic Chai, Hassle Free

The tea machine is crafted to replicate the authentic chai brewing process. Rigorous testing ensures best brewing conditions, resulting in a perfect flavor extraction that mirrors the richness of traditional chai. Internally, precision engineering meets user-friendliness.
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Externally, the machine merges style and functionality, boasting a beautiful appearance and an intuitively designed interface. Controls are strategically placed for effortless operation, allowing users to navigate through the brewing process with ease. Thoughtful accessories enhance the homemade chai experience, including a removable kettle for simplified filling and cleaning, and a dedicated milk frother that adds versatility to chai preparation.

This fusion of careful design, advanced technology, and considerate accessories positions the Dostea tea machine as more than just a kitchen appliance; it becomes a companion in the quest for the perfect cup of chai, ensuring that each sip is an exploration into the heart of authentic chai culture.

Beyond its functionality, the Dostea tea machine transforms the act of chai-making into an artful experience. Its exterior not only complements modern kitchen aesthetics but also reflects the commitment to a perfect brewing process. The intuitive design extends to the strategically placed controls, allowing users to customize their chai effortlessly. The inclusion of a removable kettle and a dedicated milk frother adds practicality, encouraging users to experiment with various chai styles. This comprehensive approach ensures that every aspect of the chai-making journey, from preparation to indulgence, is met with convenience, precision, and an infusion of authentic flavors.

Perfecting the Design-engineering Combo

The Dostea Tea Machine is not just a kitchen gadget; it's a mix of tradition and technology, showcasing a universal love for chai. With its design and engineering, this appliance ensures that making chai is as simple as pressing a button while preserving the heart of a handcrafted cup.
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Its elegance and precision pay homage to the cultural richness of chai-making, making it more than just a functional device. Every curve and detail nods to tradition, keeping the emotional journey of brewing a handmade cup of chai intact. The Dostea Tea Machine is not just about making chai; it's a user-friendly curator of authentic experiences, combining heritage with modern convenience. It invites users to partake in the joy of chai-making, making this appliance not just a kitchen essential but a companion in the timeless ritual of enjoying a perfect cup of chai.

In its simplicity, the Dostea Tea Maker Machine encapsulates a profound connection to chai culture. Beyond its chic appearance, the machine acts as a bridge between generations, merging time-honored traditions with contemporary ease. Its intuitive design and precise engineering make chai preparation accessible to everyone, transforming it into a straightforward and enjoyable experience. The appliance effortlessly captures the essence of a homemade cup of chai, preserving the warmth, aroma, and flavor that define this beloved beverage with just a button press.

User-friendly Everyday Experience

The Tea Maker Machine's physical design, we considered the ergonomic aspects to ensure both visual appeal and practical usability. The contours and shape of the appliance are not just visual elements but contribute to an overall experience that feels intuitive and comfortable for the user.
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Moving beyond the exterior, the interface design has been a focal point of our efforts. We aimed to demystify the chai-making process, creating a user-friendly interface that resonates with simplicity. The result is an intuitive control panel that empowers the user with the ability to effortlessly customize their chai experience. With just a few taps, users can tailor each element, from brewing time to milk frothing, to create their perfect cup of chai.

In the development of our product, every aspect, from its physical structure to the intricacies of its interface design, has been thoughtfully crafted with a singular focus: to provide a convenient user experience tailored to the needs of our target consumer.

Our philosophy revolves around empowering the user to be the architect of their chai enjoyment. The interface is designed to be an ally in the pursuit of the ideal cup, allowing users to navigate the brewing process effortlessly and customize their beverage preferences precisely. The goal is to make the art of chai-making accessible to all, ensuring that every user can savor the joy of creating a perfect cup of chai, uniquely tailored to their taste preferences.

Engineering for Longevity

Choosing durable materials is part of the commitment to excellence. Each component is picked for longevity, ensuring the Tea Maker Machine looks sophisticated and can handle daily use.
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The commitment to innovation and patent-worthy engineering is evident in every facet of this tea machine. Dostea is more than just a kitchen gadget; it's a fusion of British and Indian design that enhances the chai-making experience. The engineering brilliance goes beyond its good looks. The curves and elegant lines aren't just for show; they're carefully designed for functionality. It's a balance of cutting-edge technology and timeless design principles, making the Dostea tea machine not just visually appealing but also a high-performance appliance for chai lovers.

The clever engineering also extends to the machine's form, mimicking the warmth of a sunrise. It's not just for looks; it's a deliberate effort to add a bit of magic to every cup, promising a new day with each sip. The tea machine isn't just about making a device; it's about engineering an experience where style and function come together to bring unmatched satisfaction to chai lovers, setting a new standard in the art of tea-making.

Founder Quote: Vinit Lotia

"The team at Analogy have been amazing. The team meticulously have designed and engineered a (hopefully) revolutionary product for us. Analogy have always been professional, responsive and effective in the work they do. Moreover, the design and engineering team have helped us design a visually stunning product thus far and now we wait to take it to the next phase. I would class the team as quality experts in product design and would highly recommend them to any other business or new entrepreneur looking to develop a product."

What we delivered to the client / outcome

1. Delivered a market ready design in 9 months,
2. Reduced parts count by 20%
3. Differentiated Product Design Language and Identity
4. Design IP and Trademarks



"We help appliance/hardware startups go from idea to production.”

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Services

  • Industrial Design
  • Design Integrity
  • Market Research
  • Creative Direction
  • Conceptualisation
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Colour, Material and Finish
  • Product Visualization

Year

2021

Market

United Kingdom

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